BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Feb. 27, 2014) – Women's History Month was established to celebrate the women's contributions in history and today. The Birmingham Public Library has several free events set to celebrate the month and empower area women.

*Birmingham motivational speaker and Alabama's 13 Eunice Elliott will deliver inspiring words during her series “Living the Dream 2014: Finding, Chasing and Gaining Your Bliss'' on Saturday, March 15 at the Smithfield Library at 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday, March 29 at the Pratt City Library at 2:30 p.m., Women's History Month is about recognizing amazing women and their achievements. Elliott will deliver messages of encouragement that will push women and men to chart their own historic paths. For more information about the events, call Smithfield Library at 205-324-8428 and Pratt City Library at 205-791-4997.

*On Friday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown library, Birmingham City Councilman Marcus Lundy and the nonprofit organization Operation Hope will present "Power in Heels," a business empowerment workshop designed for female entrepreneurs and the working woman. Topics will focus on networking and dressing for the office, business events and business meetings. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Attend this workshop to make the best one. Tips on personal branding and how it can open doors in business will also be addressed. The free event will be held in the Arrington Auditorium of the Linn-Henley Research Library, 2100 Park Place. Lunch will be served. For more information, call Latanya Millhouse at 205-706-3671.

*In March, the library will accept donations to help give Miss Iwate a makeover. Miss Iwate is a doll that arrived at the library in 1928 as an ambassador of good will from the people of Japan. Funds are needed to send her back to Japan to be restored by master doll makers. She may be 86, but does not look a day over 6. Handmade origmi cranes and other crafts will be sold for $15 each at the downtown library on the third floor. On Friday, March 7 Miss Iwate will be on display during the library's monthly Bards and Brews event, 6:30 p.m. The library address is 2100 Park Place. Call 205-226-3670.

What better way to honor Women's History Month than through art. Two Alabama artists are highlighted in galleries at the downtown library.

*Starr Weems’ “Illuminations in Poured Color’’ exhibit will be on display through April 11 in Fourth Floor Gallery at the downtown library, 2100 Park Place. There are 34 pieces in the exhibit. Most are for sale. On Sunday, March 30 Weems will present a free class on how she uses her unique “pouring’’ technique to achieve her dreamlike images. The class will be from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the library’s Fourth Floor Boardroom. The workshop is for ages 14 and older. Seating is limited. Call 205-226-3670 to register. Visit www.starrweems.com for more information on the artist.

*In the first floor gallery is artwork by Birmingham businesswoman, author and five-year breast cancer survivor Joyce E. Brooks. Brooks discovered her love for painting after undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Her exhibit is up through March 29. Her exhibit is called "Release of the Inner Artist.'' Her pieces are for sale. Visitwww.joyceebrooks.com for more information about the artist.